Dante's Dream

In August 2003, Rossetti's 'Dante's dream' came into the conservation studio for preparation for the Rossetti exhibition. The painting is usually on permanent display at Walker Art Gallery, so we took this opportunity to fully examine the work.

'Dante's dream' has been in the collection of National Museums Liverpool since 1881, when Walker Art Gallery bought the painting directly from the artist for £1575.

Before this, Rossetti had repainted several areas. Perhaps the most interesting is the hair of Beatrice, the figure lying in the centre of the painting. Rossetti changed her hair colour from brown to a golden red.

Here you can find out more about the different ways this painting has been cared for over years and its condition today.